News - 2013

14:00 Tuesday 14 May 2013 Sue PellingLocal effects of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

Team Red Funnel racing at the 2012 event (Getty Images)

Cowes Week Limited, the organisers of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, are always keen to engage with local companies on the Isle of Wight to ensure that the business opportunities associated with the event benefit the Island as much as possible during this world-renowned summer sailing festival.

With a surge of over 100,000 visitors to the Island during the event, it is not surprising that most local companies view it as the perfect marketing and business opportunity and embrace the ethos of the event. Sue Pelling talked to some of those that work closely with Cowes Week Limited…

Red Funnel provide the bulk of the transportation to the Isle of Wight during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, through its Red Jet fast passenger service, and Red Funnel car ferries. Jonathan Green – Red Funnel Sales and Marketing Director – commented that the regatta is an important part of the company’s business: “It is one of the Island’s premier events and naturally very important for our business.” To fully embrace the event, Team Red Funnel regularly take part with a team racing in the regatta in the Sunsail fleet. To mark this year’s 20th anniversary of competing, preparations are already underway for a special ceremony on the Wednesday.

As a result of the high volume of passengers travelling across to the Island during the regatta, Blue Funnel, the company which usually runs a Solent cruise service, lays on a special dedicated passenger service that runs from Lymington to West Cowes for the duration of the event.

Sally River Taxis, based in East Cowes, also provide regatta organizers with an invaluable service by providing further support for the event’s launch service at peak times throughout the Week.

Tregear Pottery, based in Niton on the south of the Island, has been awarded the contract to design and produce the overall trophies for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2013. The company, which produces a beautiful range of hand-thrown collectable stoneware, has worked hard on the design and is now in the process of producing over 100 pieces of stoneware for the event. Commenting on this newly established relationship, Neil Tregear said: “We are delighted to be chosen as trophy supplier, not only because it is such a high profile event but, more than anything, it is a fantastic opportunity for me personally to combine my work with my love of sailing. My inspiration from sailing is reflected in the design of the pieces, and I hope one day they will have collectable value.”

Cowes-based internationally-acclaimed marine photographer, Rick Tomlinson, is the event’s official photographer, supplying a constant stream of top quality images throughout the Week.

As well as these high exposure companies that help the event run smoothly, there are others working tirelessly behind-the-scenes and which form a critical part of event operations. Cowes-based Next Generation Results (NGR) are specialists in the field of race results and information services for the world's largest yachting events, and have been the technology partner at Cowes Week for the last 20 years. As well as running the event’s renowned results service, NGR also host and operate the official event website, design all of the race documentation and marketing materials, and run the event’s broadcast TV station, EventTV.

Newport-based Crossprint, the Island’s leading print specialist, have been responsible for producing all Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week’s printed material, including waterproof sailing instructions and the official regatta programme, for around 20 years too. Tim Sell, Managing Director, says he is keen to support and encourage local enterprise and major events. “We are proud to work with the organisers of this world-class event. Cowes Week plays a vital role in the local economy and provides an immense global PR opportunity for the Island, which has far reaching tourism benefits and subsequently further business opportunities.”

Running the world’s best-known sailing regatta requires the involvement of trusted partners who are passionate about the event and Cowes Week Limited is fortunate to enjoy great relations with the local business community in the delivery of Cowes Week.